A trip to Speyside might normally be associated with distillery tours and all things whisky... but there are other reasons to visit, one of which is the amazing running routes which the area has to offer. The Fochabers Triple Challenge demonstrates this well, with a trio races organised by Spey Runners making up the the popular series.

Springtime sees the first race - the Gordon Castle 10K (21 May), which involves a scenic blast through the grounds of the estate and the neighbouring deer park. With the added bonus of free entry to the Gordon Castle Highland Games & Country Fair held on the same day, it makes for a fantastic day out. Organisers comment: "Come and join us in the picturesque grounds of Gordon Castle estate and neighbouring Deer Park. A great run and a great day out."

The second event, the Jean Carr Hill Race (30 July), is a 5.5-mile run around the Ordiequish Woods past the fabled Jean Carr Stone – a local history landmark while the third and final race in the series is the Monumental Challenge (29 October). The clue's in the title of this one, as the race is a challenging five-mile run taking in the Victorian pyramid on top of Whiteash Hill – a memorial to the Duchess of Richmond erected by the first Duke of Gordon.

In 2022, Andrew Jones was the male series winner with Karen Simpson taking the title in the women's races. Completion of each race traditionally delivers a different medal, which can be linked with the other two in the series.

Image: Runner at the Monumental Challenge 2022 - Spey Runners Facebook